News Story

Activision Blizzard, feeling they've been 'out-evilled' by EA recently (perhaps), has introduced microtransactions that are now sprinkled throughout Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 on Xbox 360.

They're called 'Micro Items' and they seem to be focused on vanity skins, and Activision's Dan Amrich affirms "none of them affect gameplay," but there are "small, specific ways to enhance" online play.

There'll be multiple varieties of packs which include 'Personalisation Packs' that give themed skins, as well as custom Calling Cards for players.

A title update for Black Ops 2 on Xbox 360 did the usual tweaks but Dan Amrich on his blog added that fans may have also noticed "some new, optional in-game purchases called Micro Items."

"This content contains either personal customizations or nice little luxuries that I’ve seen players request; none of them affect gameplay, but they are small, specific ways to enhance your online experience." There'll be Personalization Packs, Flags of the World Calling Card Packs and an Extra Slots Pack for loadouts.

On the plus side Nuketown 2025 is now freely available to all, but Nuketown Zombies is 400 MSP.

"Like dress-up for your favorite weapons," mused Amrich on 'Personalisation Packs'. "Each themed pack contains a unique weapon camo, three targeting reticles (one each for the Reflex, EO Tech, and ACOG sights), and a custom player Calling Card. All that stuff comes as a set for 160 MS Points."

The Extra Slots may appeal to the more discerning Call of Duty player. "This one’s for the players who requested even more loadouts and/or are fans of Theater Mode," he explained. "You can now get 10 more Create-a-Class slots (giving you 20 total if you’ve gone all the way up to Prestige Master) and significantly expand your media storage, allowing you to archive 20 more emblems, 32 more films and 40 more screenshots for 160 MS Points."